Lemon
When life gives you lemons... Reuters/Olivier Anrigo

Often, people have to deal with household stains from coffee, wine, food and other sources. There are actually specific agents that will effectively remove these without damaging the textile or material.

Here are five natural ways to conveniently eliminate household stains in just a few minutes.

1. Vinegar

Flush vinegar on the material stained with coffee, tea or other sugar-based stains. Continue pouring the vinegar over the material until the color of the stain fades or is completely removed. You can wash the material with soap and water or plain water afterwards.

2. Peroxide

In a study conducted at the University of California, peroxide was shown to be effective in removing wine stains on various types of material like cotton, polyester, silk and nylon. Apply peroxide on the stained material until the color fades then launder afterwards for best results.

3. Baking soda

The product contains digestive enzymes that help break down stain, thereby effectively removing it from fabric or other items. Apply baking soda on materials stained with oil, blood, feces, urine, vomit and grass. Wait for the color to fade but be careful not to bleach the fabric. Launder afterwards. In a study published on Science Buddies, the same enzymes are added in detergent products to break down protein and remove stains.

4. Cold water

One of the first things to do when an item is stained is to let cold water run on the stain for a few minutes to flush it thoroughly. Some types of stains like blood or makeup will be removed properly by water alone. Cold water may also help set the stain for your next natural method such as vinegar, salt or peroxide. Hot water might set the stain deeper into the fabric, making it harder to remove.

5. Lemon juice

According to Good Housekeeping, the juice is an excellent bleaching agent which will be useful when trying to remove stains from white fabrics and carpets. Squeeze the lemon juice on the stain then leave the material under the sun for 30 to 60 minutes. Launder the fabric afterwards. You may also add salt to improve the bleaching effect and restore the white color.